The IWM Film Archive is the oldest film archive in the UK, holding over 20,000 hours of film, video and digital material and covering the two World Wars and all conflicts involving British or Commonwealth Forces since the start of the Twentieth Century to the present. Our collection also reflects aspects of civilian life in wartime, military life in peacetime, military exercises and operations.
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Conjuror
A sharply dressed magician uses some sleight of hand to remind the public about the importance of saving fuel at home during the Second World War.
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Overview
Coal was in high demand during the Second World War in Britain and there was great difficulty in extracting it quickly enough to meet demands. One way to encourage the public to be sparing with this valuable commodity was through propaganda. The release of ‘The Conjuror’ followed some exceptionally cold winters on the home front, remembered for freezing pipes and ice over the river Thames.
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